Sweet Fanny! deep within my “heart of hearts,” A true and holy sentiment hath birth, Which there must ever dwell till life departs— Respect and reverence for thy modest worth! Like the dear violet, blooming in the shade, Scarce daring e’en to court the sun’s soft rays, Shrinking and trembling when by chance betrayed To the wild ardor of some earnest gaze. Thus art _thou_, Fanny! and thus will the light Of thy fair spirit burst from its disguise With sudden glory, and the vision bright Shall thrill all hearts with love and glad surprise; And startled souls shall _thy_ bright soul allure To kneel and worship at a shrine so pure! You should have seen, dear reader, with what exuberance of glee Katie Wilmot received _her_ Valentine, which is the one we are now about to unfold. You should have caught the sound of her merry, ringing laughter, and the gayly triumphant tone in which, holding her newly-gained treasure to view, she exclaimed, “Sister Mabel—Cousin Fanny, can you guess who this is for? Ah, you can’t guess—you wouldn’t dream of such a thing? It’s for me—for _me_!” Then you should have witnessed how joyously the little fairy clapped her tiny hands together, and the impromptu polka which she accomplished round the apartment after the following all-important little missive was read to her. TO KATIE. Within my heart, you darling elf! I’ve caged your little frolic self, There will I hold you tight and fast— And so you see you’re caught at last; While this resolve I’ve made sincerely, To kiss and pet and love you dearly; You need not struggle to get free, You’re snugly locked—Love has the key; And once within his power, you know, He never lets a prisoner go! You saucy witch! you need not pout, And vow you’ll surely raise a route, Unless within one minute more, I summon Love to ope the door! Now plead not with that coaxing smile, Just to be free _a little while_; You waste your cunning, for in vain You strive to break Love’s silken chain. Whene’er he plays the jailor’s part He’s “up to” every dainty art, And though you think he’ll let you off, When well you know you’ll laugh and scoff The moment when, on loosened pinions, You wing away from his dominions; From that wild dream you’ll soon awaken, To learn you’re wofully mistaken; Love never yet betrayed a trust, So, for your comfort, stay you must! Ah! by this time I see you’ve found You’re really safely caught and bound; So, having tamed you down in season, I’m sure you soon will list to reason, And cease for liberty to pine, My true heart’s captive Valentine!